> the worse that could happen would be some sanctions on what would then be their in-country US affiliate

So what you are saying is the worst that could happen is they lose the entire US market, us based datacenters, and us based employees?

I think the question answers itself.

That approach is also insane.

You’re always going to be vulnerable somewhere and there isn’t a better country to be if you’re in software, cloud services or AI.

Not to mention it’s not like Microsoft Execs want to pickup and leave the States either.

MS lives by corporate contracts and there are a lot of very powerful US companies that will roll over if Trump barks - if MS had already fled the US in a legal sense they'd definitely be in a better place but trying to leave during this administration would cause Trump's ire to focus on them and likely cost them an immense amount of money. I don't particularly like MS and both office and windows are declining in quality quickly so I wouldn't be opposed to the move but... nothing would sink that ship faster than losing a bunch of large US contracts as Trump toadies demonstrate their loyalty by bravely switching to alternatives.